Spring cleaning dilemma: How much disinfecting is too much?

Spring cleaning is a time when people tackle tasks around the house they may not typically get to, whether clearing out the garage or finally organizing that messy junk drawer.

As the warmer spring weather arrives, many Canadians are gearing up for the annual ritual of deep cleaning their homes, aiming to banish every speck of dust and grime. But amid the frenzy of scrubbing and sanitizing, a question arises: how clean should your house be?

Spring cleaning is traditionally a time when people tackle tasks around the house they may not typically get to, whether clearing out the garage, deep cleaning the oven, or finally organizing that messy junk drawer haunting them all year.

“What we’re trying to do is we’re trying to create a more fresh environment,” explained Jason Tetro, a microbiologist based in Edmonton and specialist in emerging pathogens.

“And so cleaning, getting rid of dust, that’s a really good thing to do. It helps to reduce the potential for inflammation. Spring cleaning is absolutely fantastic when it comes to preventing the likelihood of irritation, asthma and any other types of allergies.”

Fifty-nine per cent of Canadians participate in annual spring cleaning, according to a 2022 Ipsos Survey conducted for cleaning supplies manufacturer Libman Company. The survey also revealed that spring cleaning could have positive implications for people’s health, with 90 per cent of respondents emphasizing the importance of a clean home for mental well-being, closely followed by physical health concerns, with 89 per cent echoing similar sentiments.

If you do decide to take part in spring cleaning, Tetro emphasized the distinction between cleaning and disinfecting, noting that they serve two different purposes. While cleaning may improve aesthetics or leave a pleasant scent, disinfecting involves eliminating germs.

Tetro recommended a targeted hygiene approach for disinfecting, focusing on areas most likely to harbor pathogens.

Many people may not enjoy the sight of dirt and dust and may feel compelled to thoroughly scrub their houses from top to bottom in pursuit of a fresher atmosphere, Tetro said.